Mercedes recalls V12 G-Wagens for hitting unsafe speeds — in reverse

It's a rare occasion when Autoblog pays attention to a recall affecting just 20 vehicles. But a 2017 Mercedes-AMG G 65 with potentially unchecked reverse speeds, well, you have our attention.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the G-Wagens may not have updated engine control-unit software that is supposed to limit reverse speeds. As a result, thanks to that big ol' 6.0-liter, 621-horsepower biturbo V12, "While in reverse, any abrupt changes in steering while exceeding 16 mph may cause the vehicle to become unstable," with a high risk of a rollover.

NHTSA advises affected owners notified by Mercedes-Benz to take their $220,400-plus G-Wagens in to dealers for a free software upgrade.

Mercedes unveiled the 2019 G-Class in January at the Detroit Auto Show for sale starting later this year. The new Mercedes-AMG G 63 does away with the solid front axle in favor of an independent double-wishbone suspension and electric rack-and-pinion steering, plus a strut tower brace around the V8 to improve front rigidity.